|
|
|
|
|
|
Passing The Test
Jason Beck / MLB.com
May 01, 2004
Passing the test: If there's a gauge for a Gold Glove middle infield, trying to turn a double play with Ichiro Suzuki at the plate should be part of it. So far, the Tigers have passed.
Four times in this series, Ichiro has come up with a runner on first base. Twice he has grounded into a double play, both times to second baseman Fernando Vina. Both times, Vina was clearly conscious of Ichiro's speed.
On Friday's double play, Vina lunged to tag baserunner Randy Winn himself instead of throwing to Carlos Guillen at second. On Saturday, he had the ball out of his hands almost as soon as he fielded it.
"You have to be ready before he even swings the bat," Vina said. "You can't think about it. You have to just react. Last night I said if the ball's hit to me, I'm going to tag the runner and get him at first. Today he hit the ball a little harder, so I said I'm going to use my quickness to give it to Guillen."
Vina's quick thinking put the Tigers alone in the Major League lead for double plays, at least temporarily. They set a franchise record last year, but they had a lot more runners on base to retire.
Ichiro has only been part of Vina's busy weekend. He made seven putouts and six assists Friday night, then added four more assists Saturday. His 56 putouts on the season lead AL second basemen. His 67 assists, 19 double plays and 5.80 range factor all rank third.
Official Web Site of the Detroit Tigers
|
| |
